Tsikhanouskaya’s office in Vilnius still operating despite reduced security

The office of Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Vilnius remains operational despite changes to its security arrangements, though only part of the team is currently working on-site, her staff said Wednesday.

Tsikhanouskaya’s spokeswoman, Anna Krasulina, told BNS that the office has temporarily scaled back its activities.

“Only part of the core team remains at the office, while the rest have switched to remote work,” Krasulina said.

She declined to provide further details, citing security reasons. “We are in contact with our Lithuanian partners regarding the details of the new security system. Once we understand how it will be implemented, decisions will be made on the future format of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s office,” she added.

Krasulina stressed that the office’s operations have not been suspended, only limited when it comes to in-person work in the Lithuanian capital.

Lithuanian officials recently reorganised the way security is provided for Tsikhanouskaya and her office. The Criminal Police Bureau will now oversee her protection, taking over from the Dignitary Protection Service, a changed described as a downgrade by LRT.

Officials said Tsikhanouskaya, her home, and her office will continue to be guarded, but when she travels abroad, her security will be handled by the host country.

Authorities said the change was based on a reassessment of the threat level and technical considerations. However, critics have suggested the move may have been politically motivated, reflecting growing pressure from those who argue that Tsikhanouskaya – who fled to Lithuania in 2020 following Belarus’s disputed presidential election – has received too much attention and resources.

/www.lrt.lt